Fordyce Tepee No. 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fordyce Tepee No.


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Summary

1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Big Horn, Wyoming, on Tepee Creek. Completed in 1964, this irrigation dam stands at 25 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 20 feet and a structural height of 24 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet, serving purposes such as fire protection, stock watering, fish and wildlife habitat, as well as recreation.

With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, this dam has been inspected regularly, with the last inspection taking place in June 2020. It features an uncontrolled spillway, one outlet gate, and covers a surface area of 9 acres. The surrounding drainage area is 5.4 square miles, and the maximum discharge capacity of the dam is 710 cubic feet per second.

Despite being privately owned, Fordyce Tepee No. 1 is regulated by the state agency SEO and subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With its important role in irrigation and water resource management, this dam contributes to the water supply and ecosystem of the region, highlighting the intersection of water resources and climate considerations in this area.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

360

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TEPEE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

5.4

Nid Storage

120

Structural Height

24

Outlet Gates

Valve - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

25
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.